BAA on 2014 Marathon: Details Sooner Rather Than Later, But no Timeline

The Boston Athletic Association understands the great interest in how next year's Boston Marathon might be different, but isn't able to share details yet, BAA Executive Director Tom Grilk and marathon race director Dave McGillivray told Runner's World in an interview Wednesday afternoon.

Grilk and McGillivray spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday about the bombings at April 15's race, the running community's response to the attacks, and options for the 2014 marathon.

"One can imagine a great many things" about how next year's marathon might be run, Grilk said. "We need to talk with these partners of ours," he said, referring to the eight towns and cities along the marathon course, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and public safety officials. "It's not our decision. Others have an enormous stake in this."

Concerning matters such as 2014 field size and the official status of those unable to finish this year's marathon, the race will provide details "sooner rather than later, but I can't put a timeline on it," McGillivray said. "We just ask for a little bit more time."

Also on Wednesday, the BAA contributed $250,000 to the One Fund Boston, which was created in April to help the families most affected by the bombings.

Grilk said the BAA has been heartened by the running community's desire to be part of the 2014 marathon.

"Our first reaction is gratitude to that reaction, that [the bombings are] not something that's going to stop them," he said. "We've already seen a lot of people spontaneously organizing events and raising money for the One Fund."

McGillivray said that, in addition to needing to consult with the race's many partners, there are logistical reasons for not quickly announcing changes for next year's marathon.

"We know a lot of people are looking for information for 2014," he said. "The 100th [running of the Boston Marathon in 1996] took us two to three years to plan."

McGillivray added, "The thing we have to be careful of is reacting to the enthusiasm and making statements of commitment early on, and then going down the road and maybe realizing we've overcommited."

Grilk said the BAA has received hundreds of items from the running community, such as signed banners and shirts from other races and running clubs.

"The expressions of support from other race directors from events great and small says a lot about the running community," he said. "This community of ours is very impressive."